Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is physical pain experienced
during sexual intercourse, caused by medical or psychological factors. It is
characterized by severe pain with attempted penetration of the vaginal opening
and of tenderness within the vulval vestibule. There are many
causes for this condition, but it is usually curable and the nature of treatment depends
on the underlying cause. It is a very widespread condition that affects up one
in five women at some time in their lives.

What is Dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is any recurrent or persistent
genital pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse that is not either
vaginismus or due to lack of lubrication. That is easily dealt with - there are
plenty of good water soluble
best lubricants for women. If the pain is due to an involuntarily
contraction of the muscles of the woman's pelvic floor, then that condition is
known as vaginismus and is dealt with separately on this website.

There are
various types of dyspareunia and therefore medical professionals classify the
types in categories. It can be acquired or lifelong and generalized or
situational. Also there are varying degrees. The pain can sometimes be
superficial or it could be substantial. And it could occur at the vaginal
outlet, the vaginal barrel or against the cervix.

Causes of dyspareunia

There are numerous medical causes of
dyspareunia ranging from infections to genital mutilation. It may be caused by
an infection - in particular, Candidiasis, causes by Candida albicans.

Treatment
for this problem is easily available: you can , for example, get information
about one system for treating recurring yeast infection
here. Other
sexually transmitted infections such as
Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, urinary tract infections, endometriosis, tumors, xerosis
can be dealt with at a sexual infection clinic.

Dyspareunia may result from an accident such as a fall affecting the pelvic area, or the
result of surgery or from genital mutilation. In addition, hormonal imbalance or
estrogen deficiency is a common cause among postmenopausal women and lactating
women.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis and effective treatment of
dyspareunia depends on the type and cause. The diagnostic procedure begins with
an examination of the pelvis to discover as closely as possible the discomfort
and to identify the site or source of the pelvic pain. This involves the
cotton-swab test, in which pressure is applied by degrees around the vulvar
vestibule to assess the area and extent of the pain. Bacterial and viral tests
are undertaken to assess whether the cause is an infection.

Also it is important
that psychological factors are considered. It may be the pain results from or is
exacerbated by irrational fears or uncontrolled emotions. And the woman’s
relationship with her partner will be looked into. It may be the case that pain
is the result of on unsatisfactory sexual relationship due to lack of knowledge
of sexual positions or techniques.

Having made a thorough examination, the therapist will offer one or more
solutions. These are just a few of the many forms of treatment available. In
extreme cases, if the tests show up any physical damage, surgery may be
required. This is most unusual but if there is a pelvic injury, it should be
dealt with immediately.

The problem may have a simple and obvious
cause like stress or tension. In this case the patient will be encouraged to
learn about her body and to explore her own anatomy. In this way, she can learn
how she likes to be caressed and how sex can become a pleasant relaxing
experience. It may also be a case of insufficient lubrication, in which case
lubricants and advice as to their use will be prescribed.

The therapist may also offer advice as to the
choice of sexual position. In certain positions, greater vaginal penetration is
achieved which may not be satisfactory if it causes pain during intercourse.

In this case, other positions where lesser penetration occurs will
be recommended. It is also important that the woman’s relationship should be
considered. If the woman’s partner has insufficient sexual knowledge or lack
sexual skill, it may be necessary for both the woman and her partner to receive
advice on sexual techniques. Finally, psychological factors may be a part of the
problem, in which case referral to a psychologist or sex therapist trained in
this particular field is an option.